The Big Announcement
It’s time to finally make the big announcement that I’ve been holding off on. I am happy to say that I have accepted a promotion with the Department of Defense and will be relocating to Washington State for at least the next two years. Now one of my main priorities is getting everything situated after getting back from Korea and hitting the ground running for fishing season. Nothing has changed in that regard, only the fact that I will be fishing events in Washington as well now.
The plan now is to start fishing events back in California starting in December when the local and regional events start up. I’m looking forward to fishing the BANC club events back there. Guys like Mark Daniels Jr. and Ish Monroe went through the ranks there and it’s very competitive. We all talk a lot of trash in that series in good fun and I’m excited to compete against a lot of those guys again.
After the season starts up in Washington I’ll transition over and start fishing all the events up there. I’m actually pretty excited after doing some research. There are a number of Bassmaster Top 100 lakes in Washington and it doesn’t get near the bass fishing pressure that the fisheries do in California. One fishery I’m really looking forward to fishing is the Columbia River. I’ve already drove over to it and was chomping at the bit to get out there and fish. It kind of reminds me of the St. Lawrence River in New York with the current and big smallmouth.
Washington State isn’t necessarily known as a big bass tournament state, but there is a small following. Actually, the other day I took a wrong turn out of the apartment I was staying at and saw a bass boat turning into their driveway right nearby which was pretty ironic. I met with the director of Fish and Wildlife and he asked if he could pass along my info to the few other tournament anglers and if I’d be willing to do some seminars which of course I said yes. I’m looking forward to meeting the other anglers and learning about these new fisheries.
My boat is still back home and has been serviced at Bass Pro Shops. I’ll be keeping it at an old fishing buddy, Dan Montez’s, place for awhile as I get situated. I just got word that some more of my storage is coming too. A lot of the stuff was rerouted to North Carolina where my family is, but will be headed right back. I need to get my trolling motor and new electronics and we’ll be in good shape. I already have a major tackle arsenal in storage in California with all kinds of rods and tackle so that will keep me going for the time being.
It’s continued to be a crazy time with all that’s going on. I’m excited for this new opportunity as well as getting closer and closer to getting everything in order for hitting this fishing season hard for next year.
*On a side note, I am in desperate search of anyone who has any Yamamoto Big Ika’s (5”) or has a mold or knows where to get it. They currently make the Fat Ika, but the Big Ika’s were discontinued. If anyone has any or any information as to where to get some please message me, thanks!
